Comparison of the two most commonly used treatments for pyoderma gangrenosum: results of the STOP GAP randomised controlled trial

Investigating the effect of independent, blinded digital image assessment on the STOP GAP trial

BACKGROUND

Blinding is the process of keeping treatment assignment hidden and is used to minimise the possibility of bias. Trials at high risk of bias have been shown to report larger treatment effects than low-risk studies. In dermatology, one popular method of blinding is to have independent outcome assessors who are unaware of treatment allocation assessing the endpoint using digital photographs. However, this can be complex, expensive and time-consuming. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of blinded and unblinded outcome assessment on the results of the STOP GAP trial.

METHODS

The STOP GAP trial compared prednisolone to ciclosporin in treating pyoderma gangrenosum. Participants' lesions were measured at baseline and at 6 weeks to calculate the primary outcome, speed of healing. Independent blinded assessors obtained measurements from digital photographs using specialist software. In addition, unblinded treating clinicians estimated lesion area by measuring length and width. The primary outcome was determined using blinded measurements where available, otherwise unblinded measurements were used (method referred to as trial measurements). In this study, agreement between the trial and unblinded measurements was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The STOP GAP trial's primary analysis was repeated using unblinded measurements only. We introduced differential and nondifferential error in unblinded measurements and investigated the effect on the STOP GAP trial's primary analysis.

RESULTS

Eighty-six (80%) of the 108 patients were assessed using digital images. Agreement between trial and unblinded measurements was excellent (ICC = 0.92 at baseline; 0.83 at 6 weeks). There was no evidence that the results of the trial primary analysis differed according to how the primary outcome was assessed (p value for homogeneity = 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

Blinded digital image assessment in the STOP GAP trial did not meaningfully alter trial conclusions compared with unblinded assessment. However, as the process brought added accuracy and credibility to the trial it was considered worthwhile. These findings question the usefulness of digital image assessment in a trial with an objective outcome and where bias is not expected to be excessive. Further research should investigate if there are alternative, less complex ways of incorporating blinding in clinical trials.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials, www.isrctn.com ISRCTN35898459. Registered on 26 May 2009.

A programme of research to set priorities and reduce uncertainties for the prevention and treatment of skin disease

Background

Skin diseases are very common and can have a large impact on the quality of life of patients and caregivers. This programme addressed four diseases: (1) eczema, (2) vitiligo, (3) squamous cell skin cancer (SCC) and (4) pyoderma gangrenosum (PG).

Objective

To set priorities and reduce uncertainties for the treatment and prevention of skin disease in our four chosen diseases.

Design

Mixed methods including eight systematic reviews, three prioritisation exercises, two pilot randomised controlled trials (RCTs), three feasibility studies, two core outcome initiatives, four funding proposals for national RCTs and one completed national RCT.

Setting

Secondary care, primary care and the general population.

Participants

Patients (and their caregivers) with eczema, vitiligo, SCC and PG, plus health-care professionals with an interest in skin disease.

Interventions

Our three intervention studies included (1) barrier enhancement using emollients from birth to prevent eczema (pilot RCT); (2) handheld narrowband ultraviolet light B therapy for treating vitiligo (pilot RCT); and (3) oral ciclosporin (Neoral®, Novartis Pharmaceuticals) compared with oral prednisolone for managing PG (pragmatic national RCT).

Results

Systematic reviews included two overarching systematic reviews of RCTs of treatments for eczema and vitiligo, an umbrella review of systematic reviews of interventions for the prevention of eczema, two reviews of treatments for SCC (one included RCTs and the second included observational studies), and three reviews of outcome measures and outcome reporting. Three prioritisation partnership exercises identified 26 priority areas for future research in eczema, vitiligo and SCC. Two international consensus initiatives identified four core domains for future eczema trials and seven core domains for vitiligo trials. Two pilot RCTs and three feasibility studies critically informed development of four trial proposals for external funding, three of which are now funded and one is pending consideration by funders. Our pragmatic RCT tested the two commonly used systemic treatments for PG (prednisolone vs. ciclosporin) and found no difference in their clinical effectiveness or cost-effectiveness. Both drugs showed limited benefit. Only half of the participants’ ulcers had healed by 6 months. For those with healed ulcers, recurrence was common (30%). Different side effect profiles were noted for each drug, which can inform clinical decisions on an individual patient basis. Three researchers were trained to PhD level and a dermatology patient panel was established to ensure patient involvement in all aspects of the programme.

Conclusions

Findings from this programme of work have already informed clinical guidelines and patient information resources. Feasibility studies have ensured that large national pragmatic trials will now be conducted on important areas of treatment uncertainty that address the needs of patients and the NHS. There is scope for considerable improvement in terms of trial design, conduct and reporting for RCTs of skin disease, which can be improved through wider collaboration, registration of trial protocols and complete reporting and international consensus over core outcome sets. Three national trials have now been funded as a result of this work. Two international initiatives to establish how best to measure the core outcome domains for eczema and vitiligo are ongoing.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials Barrier Enhancement for Eczema Prevention (BEEP) (ISRCTN84854178 and NCT01142999), Study of Treatments fOr Pyoderma GAngrenosum Patients (STOP GAP) (ISRCTN35898459) and Hand Held NB-UVB for Early or Focal Vitiligo at Home (HI-Light Pilot Trial) (NCT01478945).

Funding

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Programme Grants for Applied Research programme and will be published in full inProgramme Grants for Applied Research; Vol. 4, No. 18. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Is speed of healing a good predictor of eventual healing of pyoderma gangrenosum?

BACKGROUND

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare inflammatory skin condition. Two prospective studies have evaluated treatments for pyoderma gangrenosum using a primary outcome of healing speed at 6 weeks.

OBJECTIVE

Using data from both studies we assessed the predictive value of 3 early predictors for healing at 6 months: speed of healing, Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), and resolution of inflammation, recorded at 2 and 6 weeks.

METHODS

Logistic regression models were applied and the effectiveness of the 3 measures was assessed through estimating the positive and negative predictive values and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

RESULTS

The positive and negative predictive value at 6 weeks were, respectively, 63.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 52.4%-73.7%) and 74.6% (95% CI 62.5%-84.5%) for speed of healing; 80% (95% CI 68.7%-88.6%) and 74.2% (95% CI 64.1%-82.7%) for IGA; and 72.1% (95% CI 59.9%-82.3%) and 68.1% (95% CI 57.7%-77.3%) for resolution of inflammation. IGA had the best combined positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve at 2 and 6 weeks.

LIMITATIONS

We were limited by data available from existing datasets.

CONCLUSION

Speed of healing, IGA, and resolution of inflammation were all shown to be good predictors of eventual healing of pyoderma gangrenosum.

Postoperative Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Clinical Review of Published Cases

Postoperative pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by PG at surgical incisions. It is often misdiagnosed as wound infection, and pathergy may complicate wound debridement. From September 1, 2013, through November 30, 2013, a literature search was conducted of articles published from January 1, 1978, through December 31, 2012. We referenced PubMed, MEDLINE, and Mayo Clinic Libraries using the keywords pyoderma gangrenosum, postoperative pyoderma gangrenosum, postsurgical pyoderma gangrenosum, superficial granulomatous pyoderma, pathergic pyoderma, and pyoderma gangrenosum associated with surgery, incision, breast, and wound dehiscence. In addition, all titles from PubMed with the words pyoderma gangrenosum were reviewed manually for postoperative cases. Of 136 patients, 90 (66%) did not have associated systemic diseases. If a comorbidity was present, hematologic disorders were most common. In addition, 29% (28) of women had predisposing disease vs 53% (19) of men. Women had more frequent breast involvement (P<.001); chest involvement was more common in men (P=.005). Girls and women aged 13 to 64 years had more frequent breast involvement (P=.01). Sites were distributed equally for men regardless of age (P=.40). Antibiotic drug therapy was begun and debridement occurred in 90% (110 of 122 treated patients) and 73% (90 of 123 available patients), respectively. Postoperative PG has less association with systemic disease than its nonpostoperative counterpart. Antibiotic drug therapy is routinely initiated. Affected sites are often debrided, causing additional wound breakdown. Early diagnosis may prevent complications.

Pyoderma gangraenosum – from the right diagnostic investigations to targeted therapy

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rarely diagnosed neutrophilic skin disorder that still remains a diagnosis of exclusion. Therefore, the diagnosis has to be done in the synopsis of typical clinical findings, patient’s history and exclusion of relevant differential diagnoses. There are numerous references to relevant comorbidities from the metabolic syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases. Of particular importance is the potential association of PG with (haematologic) neoplasms. Treatment of PG includes topical and systemic immuno-modulating or immuno-suppressant therapies. Most important are for topical as well as systemic treatments are glucocorticoids. All other treatments represent an off-label-use. Especially Cyclosporine and TNF-α-inhibitors demonstrated very good and promising clinical results. Accompanying modern moist wound-therapy concepts avoiding painful dressings and an analgesic therapy are recommended.

Methodology Series Module 4: Clinical Trials

In a clinical trial, study participants are (usually) divided into two groups. One group is then given the intervention and the other group is not given the intervention (or may be given some existing standard of care). We compare the outcomes in these groups and assess the role of intervention. Some of the trial designs are (1) parallel study design, (2) cross-over design, (3) factorial design, and (4) withdrawal group design. The trials can also be classified according to the stage of the trial (Phase I, II, III, and IV) or the nature of the trial (efficacy vs. effectiveness trials, superiority vs. equivalence trials). Randomization is one of the procedures by which we allocate different interventions to the groups. It ensures that all the included participants have a specified probability of being allocated to either of the groups in the intervention study. If participants and the investigator know about the allocation of the intervention, then it is called an “open trial.” However, many of the trials are not open – they are blinded. Blinding is useful to minimize bias in clinical trials. The researcher should familiarize themselves with the CONSORT statement and the appropriate Clinical Trials Registry of India.

Clinical outcomes and response of patients applying topical therapy for pyoderma gangrenosum: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon dermatosis with a limited evidence base for treatment.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to estimate the effectiveness of topical therapies in the treatment of patients with PG.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of UK secondary care patients with a clinical diagnosis of PG that was suitable for topical treatment (recruited between July 2009 and June 2012). Participants received topical therapy after normal clinical practice (primarily topical corticosteroids [classes I-III] and tacrolimus 0.03% or 0.1%). The primary outcome was speed of healing at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes included the following: proportion healed by 6 months; time to healing; global assessment; inflammation; pain; quality of life; treatment failure; and recurrence.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients (22-85 years of age) were enrolled. Clobetasol propionate 0.05% was the most commonly prescribed therapy. Overall, 28 of 66 (43.8%) ulcers healed by 6 months. The median time to healing was 145 days (95% confidence interval, 96 days to ∞). Initial ulcer size was a significant predictor of time to healing (hazard ratio, 0.94 [95% confidence interval, 0.88-1.00); P = .043). Four patients (15%) had a recurrence.

LIMITATIONS

Our study did not include a randomized comparator.

CONCLUSION

Topical therapy is potentially an effective first-line treatment for PG that avoids the possible side effects associated with systemic therapy. It remains unclear whether more severe disease will respond adequately to topical therapy alone.

Systemic therapy for vulval Erosive Lichen Planus (the 'hELP' trial): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Erosive lichen planus affecting the vulva (ELPV) is a relatively rare, chronic condition causing painful raw areas in the vulvovaginal region. Symptoms are pain and burning, which impact upon daily living. There is paucity of evidence regarding therapy. A 2012 Cochrane systematic review found no randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in this field. Topically administered corticosteroids are the accepted first-line therapy: however, there is uncertainty as to which second-line treatments to use. Several systemic agents have been clinically noted to show promise for ELPV refractory to topically administered corticosteroids but there is no RCT evidence to support these. The 'hELP' study is a RCT with an internal pilot phase designed to provide high-quality evidence.

METHODS/DESIGN

The objective is to test whether systemic therapy in addition to standard topical therapy is a beneficial second-line treatment for ELPV. Adjunctive systemic therapies used are hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisolone. Topical therapy plus a short course of prednisolone given orally is considered the comparator intervention. The trial is a four-armed, open-label, pragmatic RCT which uses a blinded independent clinical assessor. To provide 80 % power for each comparison, 96 participants are required in total. The pilot phase aims to recruit 40 participants. The primary clinical outcome is the proportion of patients achieving treatment success at 6 months. 'Success' is defined by a composite measure of Patient Global Assessment score of 0 or 1 on a 4-point scale plus improvement from baseline on clinical photographs scored by a clinician blinded to treatment allocation. Secondary clinical outcomes include 6-month assessment of: (1) Reduction in pain/soreness; (2) Global assessment of disease; (3) Response at other affected mucosal sites; (4) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores; (5) Sexual function; (6) Health-related quality of life using 'Short Form 36' and 'Skindex-29' questionnaires; (7) Days of topical steroid use; (8) Treatment satisfaction; (9) Discontinuation of medications due to treatment failure; (10) Per participant cost of intervention in each treatment group. Adverse events will also be reported.

DISCUSSION

'hELP' is the first RCT to address second-line treatment of ELPV. The trial has encountered unique methodological challenges and has required collaborative efforts of the UK Dermatology Clinical Trials Network alongside expert clinicians.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CURRENT CONTROLLED TRIALS

ISRCTN 81883379 . Date of registration 12 June 2014.

Pyoderma gangrenosum and pregnancy: an example of abnormal inflammation and challenging treatment

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophil-predominant inflammatory disease that initially presents as a sterile pustule and may progress to ulcerations. Its root cause is unknown, but the presentation is commonly associated with systemic inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and haematological abnormalities. On the other hand, pregnant women show a progressive neutrophilia during gestation, which culminates in a major inflammatory event to help drive labour. Although uncommonly, PG has been associated with pregnancy, which provides an additional link to systemic inflammation as an underlying cause of PG. We reviewed documented presentations of PG in gravid and post-partum patients, and have speculated on the possible pathogenesis based on their clinical presentations. Also, we summarize the reported treatments and their outcomes in these patients.

Pyoderma gangrenosum in an abdominal surgical site: a case report

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon, ulcerative skin disease that is often associated with systemic diseases. Herein, we report a development of PG in a surgical site after cholecystectomy that was difficult to discriminate from surgical site infection. The patient was a 74-year-old man who had previously been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was planned under diagnosis of cholecystolithiasis, but we converted to open cholecystectomy. The surgical wound was partially erythematous 4 days after surgery. In spite of opening the wound, cleansing it with sterile saline, and administration of antibiotics, inflammation spread with erosion. The clinical manifestations and histopathologic features of biopsy specimen indicated that diagnosis of PG associated with MDS was most likely. Administration of glucocorticoids made a rapid response of skin inflammation. The differential diagnosis of postoperative wound healing complications that were unresponsive to conventional wound local care and antibiotic therapy should include PG, especially in patients with systemic diseases such as MDS.